Kerion in a neonate

S Balasubramanian, K Vindhiya, K Dhanalakshmi, R Ramkumar

Indian Journal of Paediatric Dermatology 2017 18(4):333-334

Tinea capitis is predominantly an infection of children but extremely rare in neonates. Kerion is a T-cell mediated, severe pattern of an inflammatory fungal infection. It is characterized by tender, boggy nodular swelling with regional lymphadenopathy. There might be pus discharge and sinus formation that mimics bacterial folliculitis or an abscess of the scalp. Thick crusting with matting of hairs is common. Usually, area affected is limited, but multiple lesions are not rare. We report a 25-day-old neonate who presented with scalp swelling of 5 days duration. Baseline investigations were normal. Dermatological consult was obtained. Light and fluorescent microscopy along with fungal culture of the infected hair confirmed kerion due to Trichophyton mentagrophyte var. mentagrophyte. The infant was treated with griseofulvin and recovered completely.